Pontoon for seaplanes and like bodies



June 30, 1931.

J. HONE PONTOON FOR SEAPLANES AND LIKE BODIES Fil ed May 51, 1930 mms/v 70R Jamv. HON/5 20 Fig. 3.

A forwardly directed cowls 9 an 10.

40 When the plane starts to move forward PatentedJune 30, 1931 7 Y- UNITED STATES.

PATENT- OFFICE JOHN norm, or run non, manners, CANADA romroon iron. smrnmnsmn LIKE'ZBODIES 7 Application fled May 81, 1930. Serial No. 458,496..

My invention relates to improvements in pontoons for seaplanes and like bodies, and

. the ob'ect of the invention is to devise means for minimizing the water resistance on the 5 pontoons dueto suction and skin friction during the forward lifting movement of the plane as it rises into the air, and it consists essentially of the arrangement and construcvtion of parts all as hereinafter more particularly explained.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the body of a pontoon. I I Fig. 2 is a'longitudinal sectional view on line 2-2 Fig. 3. 5 Fi 3 is an inverted plan view of the pontoon ody.

Fig. 4 18 across sectional view on line 4-4 Fig 2.

ig. 5 is a ores sectional view on line'55 In the drawings like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts .in each figure. 1 indicates a pontoon body the general structure of which is that commonly em- 2 ployed havin a flat bottom with a stepped portion as in icated at 2. The flat bottom 3 of the pontoon is preferably provided with a keel rib 4 extendin from the front end. 5

' and 6 are extending orwardly from the step 2. 7 and 8 are orifices forming ducts extend- "ing through the pontoon body from the upper described.

ooves ormed in the bottom 3' necessaril take place at the rear of the ste 2 by feed ng the air under pressure throng, .the ooves into this space.

thou h I. have described my invention as applie to (pontoon bodies, it Wlll of course, 56

be understoo that it might be equally well applied to hydroplane motor boat, and flying boat hulls, to minimize skin friction and suction in a similar manner to that above From this description it will be seen that I have devised very simple means whereby the frictional contact of the water upon the bottom of the plane and. the suction taking place at the step is relieved so that the plane ,65

.will move forward more easily and prevent .end of each duct as the pontoon bodytravels forward.

' JOHN HONE.

to the lower face thereof and located on each side of the longitudinal centre of the body and in a line with the groove 6. p The orifices 7 and 8 are preferably inclined in the forward direction as clearly indicated in Fi 2 and are provided at their up r ends wit- 1 over the surface. of the water the forward motion. of the pontoon serves to drive air into the open mouths of the cowls forcing such air downwardly through the orifices 7 and 8 into the grooves 5 and 6. This air is forced byithis means with suflicient pressure to distribute itself over the bottom of the pontoon and thereby relieve" the pontoon from the: frictional contact of the water, and at the same time, breaks the suction which would 

